Let me tell you about something we rarely discuss in voice over work—what to wear! It’s true. Most of the time as voice actors we work in our booths never leaving the comfort of our studio. That being said, there are times when we might head to a client studio to record. Or, we may use our voice in an on-camera environment. That’s exactly how I recently found myself staring at my closet before a teleprompter job with a repeat client, having that classic “nothing to wear” moment. Let’s avoid that for you and give you some of my best voice over on-camera wardrobe tips!
The Hidden Challenge of Repeat Client Work
When you’re looking for voice over lessons, you’re probably thinking about technique and delivery—not fashion choices. But here’s the thing: if you choose to branch out and look for different ways to use your voice, once you start landing on-camera teleprompter work, your wardrobe suddenly matters a lot!
So there I was, shopping for this repeat client gig. Since I’d be filming multiple sessions over time and they don’t provide wardrobe, I knew I couldn’t just wear the same outfit again and again. Nothing screams “we filmed this all on the same day” quite like identical clothing in supposedly different sessions!
Brand Alignment: The Key to Long-Term Client Relationships
One thing I always tell my students is that your appearance needs to feel like a natural extension of your client’s brand. Before hitting the stores, I pulled up their website and social media to refresh myself on their color scheme and overall vibe. This attention to detail demonstrates professionalism that extends beyond vocal performance.
For this client, I grabbed a few options that would:
- Play nicely with their brand colors (without looking like I was trying to be their logo!)
- Maintain a consistent level of professionalism
- Provide enough variety for multiple shoot days
- Avoid patterns or colors that might cause camera issues
Building a Professional Voice Over Wardrobe
I’m not saying you need a complete wardrobe overhaul, but having some versatile pieces ready for live session or on-camera work will save you so much stress! Trust me, I’ve made my share of last-minute panic purchases. I recommend developing a collection of mix-and-match professional pieces that work for various clients and brand aesthetics.
Here’s what’s worked for me:
- Invest in pieces that can be easily mixed for different looks
- Clothes that actually feel comfortable when you’re standing for hours
- Select solid colors that complement a range of brand palettes
- Consider the shooting environment and dress accordingly
Why This Actually Matters for Your Career
Look, I know voice over on-camera wardrobe isn’t the most exciting topic when you’re focused on voice over lessons, but these little details really do impact whether clients book you again. When they notice you took the time to look fresh and on-brand for each session, it shows you understand the bigger picture of their content needs.
I’ve literally had clients comment, “I appreciate how you always look so put-together and different for each shoot!” That attention to detail has turned one-off bookings into regular gigs.
Real Talk for Voice Over Newbies
If you’re just starting out and working with a voice over coach near you, ask them about these practical aspects of the job! The voice over world can be more than just working only in your studio.
Your wardrobe choices show clients you “get it”—you understand their brand, their content needs, and the professional standards of the industry. And honestly? That understanding is often what separates the occasionally-booked from the regularly-booked talent.
So… which outfit did I end up choosing for this recent gig? I’ll leave you in suspense! But I’d love to know—what’s your go-to look for on-camera voice work? Drop a comment on my video below or send me a message and share your teleprompter fashion tips!
[About me: I help voice actors not just sound amazing but navigate all aspects of this industry—from mic technique to teleprompter presence to, yes, what to wear on camera! Whether you’re searching for voice over lessons or an online voice acting coach, my 25 years of industry experience is here to prepare you for real-world success. Want to book a free Discovery Call? Send me a message here!]W